Technique

Why Nail Techs Should Love the Curette

The curette is an underappreciated tool, according to CND education ambassador Vanessa McCullough. “Many techs don’t know what this tool is or why they should use it,” she says. So what is it?

“A curette is a long metal tool that has a small spoon (usually 1-2mm in diameter) on each end resembling a very tiny melon baller,” explains McCullough. “It can be used to clean under the fingernails and toenails or, even better, it can be used to remove cuticle from the nail plate.” To use the curette, after lifting and loosening the cuticle with a cuticle pusher, glide the curette spoon on its side along the cuticle line using a circular or c-shaped motion. This will detach the cuticle without the use of a nipper.

The curette is a great alternative to using a cuticle nipper. “Many clients are adamant about the fact that they do not want their cuticles cut with a nipper,” says McCullough. “Even though I still use a nipper when needed, my clients appreciate the fact that I use that tool as a last resort. When I do use the nipper, I always educate my clients a bit. I explain that I am only trimming what is needed and I also explain the difference between the cuticle and the eponychium. They usually realize right away that it’s not the cuticle that they don’t want cut, it’s the eponychium.”

Reflexology can provide health and relaxation benefits for your pedicure clients, and it can increase your profits, too. Nail tech Melissa Finch explains how she adds this technique to pedicure services.

Even though mix ratio is fundamental to learning about liquid-and-powder acrylic application, it’s still one of the biggest challenges for nail professionals in the salon. The performance and longevity of our product is hugely affected by an incorrect mix ratio.

You probably know the essential differences between the products and nails terms you use in the salon every day — like soft gel versus hard or LED light versus UV. But could you provide a clear explanation to a curious client? And what about those fuzzy terms that can mean different things to different people? Here's a terminology "cheat sheet" we hope will help keep us all on the same page.